Many books have been made into fabulous film adaptations. So what is the best option… read it and then watch it? Watch it and then read it? The choice is for you and your family to make. You could even listen to the audiobook first. Here are some of our favorite book and film pairings for you to discover (or rediscover) beloved characters in literature.

In stressful times, children as well as adults can benefit from interacting with nature. According to a study by the University of Exeter’s European Centre for Environment & Human Health, spending a minimum of 2 hours per week in nature reduces stress hormone levels, decreases heart rate and anxiety, and reduces feelings of social isolation. Nature can also be a platform for teaching children about the environment, and inspire young ones to love the world around them. For tips on how to integrate nature into your family’s schedule, check out these resources on Hoopla.

A great deal of research has been done concerning how young children become aware of race. It all points to a very clear fact: kids pick up on racial differences during the very first years of life. Our librarians have pulled together a list of books that are helpful for having conversations about race and culture. They are a starting point and will hopefully be a support for our Henrico families.

The One Henrico Reading Challenge started as a fun way to share reading activities during the stay-at-home order, and starting June 15, it is the official Henrico County Public Library Summer Reading Challenge! If you haven’t already, sign up to participate in our fun weekly activities designed to help you grow your love of reading and discover a great big world of learning. Logging your reading and learning will earn you chances to win cool prizes, provided by the Friends of Henrico County Public Library.

Reading to young children as early as possible can help strengthen the bond between parent and child, increase vocabulary, and teach kids about the wider world. HCPL offers storytimes for all ages, from birth to preschool, and we wanted to share tips caregivers can use to read like a librarian.

Sharing music and singing together are great ways to connect, educate, and have fun with the children in your life. HCPL librarians have some tips for ways you and your little ones can get creative and learn together through music.

One of the questions we get regularly in the children’s area is “My child is starting to read, where are the books for us?” We wanted to share a few suggestions, tips, and books to help you and your beginning reader get started.

HOME RUN! TOUCHDOWN! GOAL! For many tweens, sport is more than just a way to keep their bodies active or a hobby to have fun with; it’s a serious endeavor, an escape, or even a way of life. Your love for sport can reach beyond the game with fantastic titles from Henrico County Public Library.

In partnership with Greater Richmond SCAN, HCPL is observing Resilience Week by contributing to a virtual bookshelf highlighting titles that contain themes of resilience and growth. Young people can be inspired to nurture their own resilience by reading about the experiences and actions of others – fictional or not. Read on for picks from SCAN and HCPL librarians for children and teens – all available online through OverDrive, Libby, or Hoopla with your HCPL card.